Cancer Calculus

Merck & Co. is challenging journalists' efforts to obtain pricing data for the cancer drug Keytruda in Austria's Constitutional Court. The dispute involves a freedom-of-information campaign by Austrian outlets profil and Der Standard, part of the Cancer Calculus investigation, which revealed Keytruda as the country's largest hospital medication expense.

Senator Maggie Hassan is questioning Merck about its patent and pricing practices for the cancer drug Keytruda, alleging the company uses excessive patents to delay cheaper alternatives. The letter highlights concerns that Merck's strategies have kept prices high and limited patient access, with an investigation suggesting the new injectable version could delay competition until the 2030s.

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists hosted a live Q&A discussing its Cancer Calculus investigation, which examines how pharmaceutical industry practices related to patents, pricing, and billing affect access to cancer treatments. The event featured ICIJ reporter Sydney P. Freedberg, health economist Bill Pajerowski, and digital producer Carmen Molina Acosta.

Violeta Chuc Sam's family in Guatemala discusses her mother Francisca Violeta Sam Colop's struggle to access Keytruda, a cancer drug, highlighting systemic barriers. The story is part of the Cancer Calculus investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and partners, examining Keytruda's global pricing impacts.